CARY, N.C. (February 18, 2017) – The Pittsburgh Riverhounds kicked off the 2017 preseason with a 1-1 draw against North Carolina FC at WakeMed Soccer Park.
Conceding an early goal to defender Connor Tobin off a free kick in the eighth minute, the Hounds held serve for the remainder of the match before finding a late equalizer from midfielder Mike Green assisted by forward Kay Banjo in the 87th minute.
Prior to Green’s tally, the Hounds appeared to have matched North Carolina’s goal with a goal of their own from defender Ryan Adeleye in the 18th minute, but Pittsburgh was called for offsides.
Also of note, the Hounds were without the services of Bryan Arguez, Devaughn Elliott and Chevaughn Walsh because of injury, while Danny Earls was not available due to his suspension from last season.
Getting time in their place were trialists Guy Ballo, Dan Bedoya and Hayden Partain. All starting the second half in the midfield, Ballo joined the club from Tulsa Roughnecks FC, Bedoya from New York Red Bulls II and Partain from Wake Forest University.
Preseason action continues tomorrow with an 11 a.m. tilt against Duke University Men’s Soccer at the Blue Devils’ Athletic Field Complex in Durham, North Carolina. For in-game updates, follow Duke Men’s Soccer on Twitter at @DukeMSOC.
Line-ups:
First Half – Trey Mitchell – Ritchie Duffie, Jamal Jack, Ryan Adeleye, Taylor Washington – Ben Fitzpatrick, Victor Souto, Stephen Okai, Kenroy Howell – Kevin Kerr, Corey Hertzog
Second Half – Keasel Broome – Shane Campbell, Tobi Adewole, Nick Thompson, Jack Thompson – Dan Bedoya, Guy Ballo, Mike Green, Hayden Partain – John Manga, Kay Banjo
Scoring Summary:
NCFC – Connor Tobin – 8′
PGH – Mike Green (Kay Banjo) – 87′
